Sometimes we only trust ourselves when it comes to what's good for our kids, which is why we've gotten so many questions about becoming a product tester. Here to tell us the truth about the job and what to expect, is PTPA (Parent Tested, Parent Approved)...
What’s the value of becoming a toy tester?
Parents are always looking for the latest and greatest when it comes to their precious little ones. When they hear about a product recall, they post it on Facebook, they tweet and blog and they always call their nearest and dearest to warn them about it. The manufacturer hardly has time to issue a press release, as mom’s ‘word of mouth’ spreads faster.
But what if there was a way to have a direct say? Perhaps have a say before a product is recalled? A say that actually gets read by the right people at the companies that you are buying from? It’s possible! Honest!
The way to go about this is to sign up to be a product tester. Today, manufacturers understand the value and importance of having their products tested by the actual end users and are submitting their products for review with product testing companies. PTPAMedia.com, for example, is a website where moms sign up to be evaluators and, based on their profiles, are assigned a variety of products for testing.
What does this process entail? Will you have time for being a tester on top of all of your other responsibilities in a day?
Well, for starters, being a product tester means that you will typically get products sent to you to keep in exchange for your opinion. I know, you’re sold and ready to sign up now. But hold on! With free product comes responsibility. As a product tester you really need to test that product and complete detailed evaluations; otherwise, be prepared to never get another opportunity to evaluate.
You should also know that parent tester opinions truly make a difference. We had a company submit a beautiful line of baby bedding products. Their line was beautiful indeed, but out of the four pieces submitted, one lost. Our parent testers told us that the sheet was extremely difficult to get onto the crib mattresses. Not exactly an ideal scenario for over-tired moms who often make middle-of-the-night sheet changes. The feedback was passed along to the manufacturer who took the comments and redeveloped the sizing of the sheets. They resubmitted the pieces for review and the parents loved it. In the end, the parent testers helped the company increase their sales of sheets while still ensuring that they got a great product that simplified their lives; the best of both worlds.
When we send out products to parents for evaluations, we are very clear in our wording that yes/no answers are not acceptable, and that manufacturers are looking for sincere and detailed responses. If you want some insight on how to stay in the good books with the product testing companies, here are a few tips:
Manufacturers want to hear, the good, the bad and the ugly so don’t hold back.
- It’s all in the details. Don’t be vague.
- Yes, no and not applicable is not an answer!
- Get your evaluations in by the deadline requested
Sharon Vinderine is the President and Founder at PTPA. PTPA provides an objective means to discover, appraise and promote new products designed to enrich family living. PTPA provides a platform for companies to introduce their products for evaluation and feedback from the experts that matter most: parents!